On Wednesday 14 January, Shiplake College welcomed wellbeing specialists Mrs Kiera Cohen and Mrs Liz Smale from WellNest to deliver a calming, sensory‑based meditation session for students preparing for upcoming examinations.
WellNest is a wellbeing organisation that delivers calming, sensory‑based meditation experiences designed to help people regulate stress and reconnect with their sense of balance. The session was arranged by College House Matron Mrs Julie Knight, who saw the potential impact such practices could have on students. WellNest kindly offered to run a free taster session, allowing both students and staff to experience their distinctive approach to stress relief and nervous‑system regulation.
Staff and students who attended were introduced to a powerful set of tools intended to support long‑term wellbeing. As Assistant head (Pastoral) Mrs Fiona Dunn explains, “It is a one‑off session to see if there is an appetite for it ... meditation of course will help them in the future. It should be a really good tool for the students to have moving forward.”
WellNest transformed the Tithe Barn into an oasis of calm: soft ambient lighting, gentle aromatherapy, and a carefully crafted programme of guided visualisation, breathwork, and restorative stretching. The 60‑minute class concluded with quiet, reflective conversation - a peaceful pause from the fast pace of everyday life.
The organisation’s philosophy aligns closely with Shiplake’s pastoral mission. As WellNest shared, “Working in school settings always reminds us how powerful it is to offer young people simple tools to regulate their nervous system.” Their sensory‑based approach is designed not only to help participants feel calmer in the moment but also to give them techniques they can draw upon during moments of overwhelm, fatigue or high stress. Offering meditation to both staff and students reinforce the College’s commitment to creating an environment in which every individual feels supported - emotionally, academically and socially.
This session provided a valuable introduction to an approach that may form part of future wellbeing offerings, depending on interest. Early feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, and the College hopes to build on these opportunities as part of its broader mission to ensure that all students leave Shiplake with not only strong academic outcomes, but also the resilience, self-awareness and balance needed for life beyond school.
